Bits and Pieces: A generous community in Wooster, Ohio

By ANN GASBARRE Columnist

Friday

Jun 14, 2013 at 4:00 AM

Two years ago Dan O'Rourke, an associate professor of communication studies at Ashland University, wrote to this column asking alumni of the Wooster High School speech program to contact him concerning a book project he and his son were working on.

O'Rourke, the father of two sons who were involved in speech and debate at WHS, explained the knowledge that Wooster High School holds the record for most appearances at the national championship (61) was one of the reasons he decided it was a story worth telling.

"Anyone," he wrote, "who drives into Wooster from the north or south has seen the signs that tout the Wooster Speech and Debate team's three state championships in 2001, 2002, and 2006. Fewer would know that Wooster had the largest speech team in the country and earned more degrees from the National Forensic League than any other team in the nation for seven consecutive years in the 1930s and 1940s. It's a source of community pride that should be gathered in an essay or book form."

Book launch

Two years have passed and the book -- titled "A Good Town Speaking Well" -- will be

launched by the Wooster Book Co. on July 27 at 2 p.m.

O'Rourke shared one example of the generosity of the Wooster community that is not included in the book.

"In 1938," O'Rourke explained, "Wooster High School hosted the national championship speech and debate tournament. Back then Wooster did not have the hotels and teams did not have the budget to house students. Dozens and dozens of local families volunteered to accept one or more students in their homes.

"In all, 622 of the 700 students competing stayed in local homes. In the midst of the Depression, Wooster families supported their school and the speech and debate program."

The Daily Record took note of the generosity within the Wooster community and printed a listing of the families who served as hosts to the students. O'Rourke sent along a copy of the long article.

"It was once said," he added, "that an orator should be 'A good person speaking well.' My son and I thought the city of Wooster lived up to that honor -- thus the title of the book."

Very best donuts

Ernest Harvey called after reading a recent mention of The Point Donut and Restaurant Shop that was run years ago by Chuck Craig's mom and dad, Perry and Lou Craig. The business was located where the Maurer Pharmacy building used to be on Cleveland Road.

"When I was 9 or 10 years old," explained the 80-year-old, "we lived on Salter Road and I had a paper route in the north end. Weigel's Barbershop was my last stop on the route and when I was finished delivering papers in the morning I'd always stop there for a donut. Every once in a while, I'd get a free one. As far as I'm concerned, they made the best donuts in Wayne County.

"Eventually," he added, "the Craigs moved out on 95 in an old farm house and I lost track of them."

Quota Idol

Quota International of Wooster's annual singing competition -- Quota Idol -- kicks off Saturday at the Wooster High School Performing Arts Center. The top vote-getters will return June 22 to compete for the top prize of $2,000 plus $1,000 in studio time from Audio Thrills Recording Studio. Audience, judge and public votes will determine the winner.

Light refreshments will be served both evenings in the high school commons. Doors open at 6 p.m. for the pre-party with the competition to follow at 7. Admission for the first night is $6 with tickets for the finals costing $8. Tickets are available at all Buehler's locations in Wayne County, at the door or online at www.woosterquota.org. Children 5 and younger will be admitted free.

More to do

There's a cruise-in in downtown Wooster tonight from 7-9:30. Traffic will be detoured around the square. In addition to the classic cars and assorted food vendors, live music will be provided by Marquis 66, a '50s and '60s band.

The Wooster Community Band will perform under the baton of Randy Claes on Wednesday at 7 p.m. in front of the Reason Beall House on the grounds of the Wayne County Historical Society. Spectators should take their own lawn chairs. In case of inclement weather, the concert will be held across the street in the St. Mary School gym.

FYI

Back when he was a student at Wooster High School, attorney Walter Grosjean won the 1947 National Forensics League championship in extemporaneous speaking -- an event analyzing current events.

Thought you should know.

Columnist Ann Gasbarre can be reached at agasbarre@gmail.com or 330-345-6419.

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